3 John 1-4 "The elder unto the well-beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I pray above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

2 John 1-4 "The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. Grace be with you, mercy, and peace from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father."

John 17 14-17 "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou should take them out of the world, but that thou should keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

What does it mean to walk in truth? I am hoping that some who visit this site will contribute on how God has shown them what it means to walk in the truth of Word.

John 16 13-16 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father."

It is a unique person who always strives to walk in truth. It is so easy to just twist things a little bit so what someone would want to imply, even if it isn't true, comes across as truth. Even in Websters dictionary a definition of a lie is:
to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive, to create a false or misleading impression, something that misleads or deceives.

We've all done it, said something in a way to deceive or mislead people, whether it would be our parents, our children, our bosses, our friends, and our Lord. Seems like we make truth a gray area, where it is convenient to twist things just a little bit so as make ourselves look right, or have fun, or just not get in trouble. I mean, after all the Lord understands that we are just flesh, and we make mistakes, which is true, but what about the times when you get that check in your spirit, but you continue to deceive, or could I also say lie, not speak the truth, sin. Or how about when you are angry with someone and you shoot your mouth off and say things that aren't true, and you think you have set that person straight and you go away from the situation proud of yourself that you stood up to that person. At least until you get alone with the Lord and realize you have sinned against the other person and against your heavenly Father. Things spoken in anger are often not the truth, but a lie.

We are commanded as Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, to be like Him. Jesus came to do the will of the Father, so also should that be our desire. Jesus walked in truth and spoke truth, so should we.

We can all think of ways that we lie, for example many people tell their children if they put their tooth under the pillow the tooth fairy will come at night and leave them some money.
So the child wakes up in the morning low and behold, a quarter! The child believes this lie until they get older.
Is it a big deal to have fun with them like that? What does the bible say about lies and the truth? Legalism? Far from it. Maybe a desire to speak truth, so those who trust you will know that you will tell them the truth, even when it may not be convenient or easy.

Great topic for thought and discussion, Sage. Sorry I haven't been able to post this week, having Spyware virus problems. It's a real challenge to compose a post and keep a train of thought when constantly deleting pop-up trash every few seconds.

But the importance of truth couldn't be over stressed, and yeah, teaching kids that there's a tooth fairy, santa claus, easter bunny, and the like; is definately teaching them to lie.
Another example of lying is when someone asks your opinion and you answer with what you know they want to hear.(Do I look fat in this dress? No dear, you look wonderful...)Now we shouldn't disregard peoples feeling, and answer as nicely as possible; but we shouldn't lie about something just to avoid possibly offending someone.

Another lie that's accepted by most today, is the lie that we shouldn't be SO dogmatic about Jesus being the only way to eternal life; even the 'church system' allows for other religions and doctrines in their quest for unity...Not unity of THE FAITH, but unity as in 'we don't have total faith in what God's Word says, so we'll make allowance for other 'religions', cause we just might be wrong, and after all, who are we to judge?' Any doctrine that's contrary to The Word of God, IS A LIE, regardless of who says it, be it the Pope or a Baptist, or an Episcopalian. Praying to Mary and statues of saints is a lie; teaching that the Baptism of The Holy Spirit is not for today is a lie; and ordaining homosexual priest as anointed ministers of God is a lie. Saying that God approves of homosexuality is a lie. Encouraging children to read Harry Potter books about the occult is teaching them a lie.

Truth will always seperate people, those that choose to follow after the Truth will be persecuted, ridiculed, and cast out of the religious system because truth shines a light upon darkness, and darkness hates light.

I want to share a testimony that is a results of obeying the principle of walking in the truth. This is only to testify that God will honor His Word and encourage all of us to strive to walk in truth; not in any way putting myself on a pedestal, may all glory be to Jesus.

About 6 months ago I was faced with a decision concerning this very topic,'The Principle of Walking in Truth'. I found myself in a situation where obedience to God's Word was being compromised(imo) by others in The Lord( brothers I was close to and respected ). But when I privately sought to share my concerns, I was called a legalist, belittled, and the butt of many negative remarks. I separated myself from the situation, and although I missed the fellowship of the brothers, I made the decision to obey what The Lord put in my heart. I did continue to pray for them, but no longer was part of what was going on.

Today I received an e-mail from one of the brothers apologizing and asking for forgiveness (which I was blessed to be able to do) for the situation that occured.

The point of this testimony is to show that when we obey God, regardless of the cost, not only will we be blessed, but God will sometimes use that testimony to convict others and restore them. We may not always know how something will turn out, but by walking in the truth we can know God will honor that decision. Also The Lord really impressed upon me the importance of prayer; even when we find we have to separate from those who's actions are ungodly, we should continue to pray for those who don't see the principle of walking in that truth. And not only is it our responsibility to pray for them, but what a blessing it is when someone's eyes are open to truth and they start walking in it.

We've all had things we didn't see at some time in our lives, maybe it was someones prayers that prevailed against the powers of darkness that had us blinded in an area.

Praise Jesus...

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

"We've all done it, said something in a way to deceive or mislead people, whether it would be our parents, our children, our bosses, our friends, and our Lord. Seems like we make truth a gray area, where it is convenient to twist things just a little bit so as make ourselves look right, or have fun, or just not get in trouble."

Something that has always raised a red flag with me is when someone starts an answer or statement off with; "To be perfectly honest with you" or "To tell you the truth". I've found more often than not, the person is about to tell a lie. Not always, for some it is just a habit or figure of speech, but in my experience usually a lie will follow. Maybe not a total falsehood, but not the full truth either. And while the motives vary, the statement about making ourselves 'look good' or 'right' often is behind it. And when that person is a professing Christian, what kind of witness is that? 'OK, this time I'm going to be perfectly honest' as opposed to every other thing I've been saying is a lie; or NOW, I'm going to tell you the truth...Perfectly honest would include full disclosure of what all the question required, not just something that was a partial truth, leaving off anything that would make one 'look bad' or unstable. Lying is an attempt to deceive and usually one who is continually trying to deceive others, is deceived themselves. (btw:the person lied to the most is probably ourselves, we can make ourselves believe most anything... when we want to.)

And yep,we've all done it,it's in mankinds nature to lie. It's a form of 'self' preservation...but that nature must die, we must learn to guard our tongues(or fingers, when we're communicating in this fashion) the LOVE of the TRUTH is one of the characteristics of those who overcome in all things. If the truth embarasses us or causes someone a little discomfort, so be it...that pales in relationship to spending eternity in hell, and that's where God's Word says one will end up if they continue as a liar. Rev.21:8 "...and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:"

God help us to be truthful and lovers of The Truth...

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

We stake our very lives and eternal lives on the Truth that is in the Word of God. We live separate from the world and its ways because of the truth we have believed that is in God's Word.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Romans 5:8-9 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.:

I John 5:10-13 "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life,and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."

These verses are all truths of Gods Word. We stake everything we have on the promises of God. God has called us to walk in truth in every area of our lives.
3John 1-4 "The elder unto the well-beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

2 John 4 "I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father."

John 8:31-32 "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

John 17:14-17 "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

So we see a few scriptures that speak of the importance of walking in truth, and how we please our heavenly Father when we walk in truth. A burden to do so? Quite the contrary, a blessing and privilege to do so.
Seek the Lord how to apply the scriptures on truth in your lives. God is more than willing to help those who come to Him.

Here are some verse's that can help us walk in the truth of God's Word:

Ephesians 6:10-18
10) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breatplate of righteousness;
15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

Daily we have things to overcome from our adversary. The truth is that we can overcome all the attacks and stand, stand in the faith of Jesus.

I have been pondering this question for quite a while and would like to hear some thoughts from some of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am not interested in hearing accusations against any one, nor criticisms, but rather how would you know or distinguish between being righteous, unrighteous and self righteous.

A definition of righteous is:
acting rightly: upright, according to what is right.

A definition of right is:
being in accordance with what is just, good, or proper, conforming to facts or truth, geniune, real, acting or judging in accordance with truth or fact.

Self righteous:
Convinced of one's own righteousness esp. in contrast with the actions and beliefs of others.

UnRighteous:
Not righteous: sinful, wicked, unjust, unmerited

To me someone could be perfectly righteous in what they are doing, but then give over to self righteous attitudes. Kind of like the Publican and and Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14
It is a good thing to not be an extortioner, unjust, adulterer, and to fast, and for them to give tithes, BUT the sin would come when the attitude of the heart was him thinking himself better than the publican.

There are areas in all our lives the Lord Jesus requires us to walk in, there are things we are required to give up(Eph. 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice..) and there are areas where we need to do things we didn't do before, such as obeying the law when it isn't convenient for us. Many use to drive the speed limit, but since they have been "liberated from legalism" this is no longer an issue. Or maybe there is that little twisting of the truth that is meant to deceived.

But when does how we judge and react to a situation turn into self righteousness or even unrighteousness? And how should our reaction be to such situations?
Hope this makes sense. I am not referring to any specific person or situation that involves anyone on this site or any other. Thanks for your words of wisdom.

But when does how we judge and react to a situation turn into self righteousness or even unrighteousness? And how should our reaction be to such situations?

I think that when we start comparing what someone else is doing to ourselves and how we think it should be done, then that is where self righteousness can enter in. In judging or deciding whether or not something or someone's actions are unrighteous or not, the standard should be God's Word, not our opinions.(Hopefully, our opinions are a reflection of The Word, but as we know from experience, our views and opinions change as we grow and learn, God's Word doesn't change, it's an eternal standard of truth.) Just as righteousness is a reflection of what God has worked in someone's heart; self righteousness is a reflection of the additude of ones heart.

"And how should our reaction be to such situations?" Repentance...

"Yesterday I read this scripture in Isaiah 6:5

"Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts."

Here is a segment taken from a daily devotional I read...

"An exalted view of God brings a clear view of sin and a realistic view of self. A diminished view of God brings a reduced concern for sin and an inflated view of self. Isaiah's encounter with Holy God made him immediately and keenly aware of his own unholiness and the sinfulness of those around him. It is impossible to worship God and remain unchanged. An indication that we have truly worshiped is a changed heart.

Have we so conformed ourselves to a sinful world that we are satisfied with unholy living? Have we sunk so far below God's standard that when someone does live as God intended, we consider that person 'superspiritual'? If we only compare our personal holiness to those around us, we may be deceived into believing that we are living a consecrated life. Yet when we meet Holy God, our only response can be, Woe is me!"

I thought that put it into perspective for me, not only is there a danger in judging others righteousness against our own(which if not careful will result in a self righteous additude); but if our standard isn't Jesus and a heart's desire to be like Him, then as stated above, we be may be deceived into thinking we are living a consecrated life.

It's pretty easy to assume that a person is righteous when judging and comparing them to the world all around us; but our righteousness isn't based on how we compare to those around us, it's judged by our heart's additude and actions based on obedience to God.

Here's an example that comes to mind; we don't participate in the idolatry and pagan worship of December 25th, but develop the mentality that because we don't we're somehow more spiritual that those who do. Instead of leaving the judgement to God and being humbled by the knowledge that God would give us seeing eyes and hearing ears, some allow pride as self righteousness to creep in. So in this one example we can see how a person can be walking as righteous by obeying The Lord, yet become self righteous due to pride and judging others against themselves... resulting in them becoming unrighteous due to the sins of pride and criticism.

I've been guilty of allowing an additude self righteousness to creep in...BUT, thank God for His HOLY SPIRIT to lead and guide me to all truth...

May we all 'see' The King, The Lord of Hosts...and allow Him to give us an additude adjustment...'Woe is me'...

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

I appreciate this statement because I see that is the beginning of letting the Lord take care of the situation. Sometimes I think when we're in the middle of a trial or situation Jesus sends someone to us with just what we need to hear. That would be called body ministry. I thank God we have that on this site.

James said:
"It's pretty easy to assume that a person is righteous when judging and comparing them to the world all around us; but our righteousness isn't based on how we compare to those around us, it's judged by our heart's additude and actions based on obedience to God."

This is certainly a key to walking in holiness and righteousness. Our standard should always be obedience to God and His word, and when we/I fall short of that, I/we can go to the Father and seek His forgiveness. Makes me think of the song we use to sing: He paid a debt he did not owe.

James said:

"Here's an example that comes to mind; we don't participate in the idolatry and pagan worship of December 25th, but develop the mentality that because we don't we're somehow more spiritual that those who do. Instead of leaving the judgement to God and being humbled by the knowledge that God would give us seeing eyes and hearing ears, some allow pride as self righteousness to creep in. So in this one example we can see how a person can be walking as righteous by obeying The Lord, yet become self righteous due to pride and judging others against themselves... resulting in them becoming unrighteous due to the sins of pride and criticism."

This response is exaclty what I was wondering about. I can see now by the answer you gave that there has been some self righteous attitudes toward my family. Sometimes dying to self when it comes to family is a very hard thing to do. It is required of us, because the Lord gave us all the tools we need to walk in righteousness.

So that is not to say we can't know something is wrong, and even share with others about why something does not glorify the Lord, but it comes down to a matter of obedience to Gods word, and our attitude of the heart.

It is especially poignant given the dynamic that existed during the time
of the first advent. You would think that God's people would avoid
self-righteousness like the plague since Jesus spent much of His
ministry doing battle with this particular mindset. Legalism seems to
be the driving force that enables self-righteousness to flourish. Not
that a self-righteous attitude isn't sometimes found in those who
brandish libertarian ideals but the two don't really go together like
legalism and self-righteousness, e.g. the Pharisees.

Some of it surely must be due to the nature of Law keeping which can
only be tracked by outward conformity, whereas the inward (righteous)
traits of a godly person are much harder to discern. Sure, you can
always look at the fruit of the righteous person, but let's be
reasonable, the righteous are not blowing trumpets every time they do a
righteous act (if they are you can pretty much slap the label -
SELF-RIGHTEOUS on them!).

Christianity isn't measured as much by the outward as it is by inward
traits. One might object to that statement but let me explain...
Christians do have an outward duty to others which can (and should be)
measured as the fruit of our Christian lives, but all of the good deeds
in the world doesn't make one a Christian. Our status as "Christian"
is solely determined by our inward relationship to Jesus.

Even in the area of "Christian ethics" we should always remember that
the precepts by which we live are not a set of laws but principles that
should govern the way we live. These "principles" are what we have
determined to be the best representation of the character of God in and
through us as we walk through this world.

William shared:
"Sure, you can always look at the fruit of the righteous person, but let's be reasonable, the righteous are not blowing trumpets every time they do a righteous act (if they are you can pretty much slap the label - SELF-RIGHTEOUS on them!)."

Excellent statement William. I believe to the righteous person who does righteous acts it just comes from a heart after the Lord. It isn't something they work up or have to ponder, but it is just a way of life. They don't look for or desire to be praised for what they know or what they did, so it must be there is also humility(which could also be a fun topic someday: humility or pride?)

William said:
"Even in the area of "Christian ethics" we should always remember that the precepts by which we live are not a set of laws but principles that should govern the way we live. These "principles" are what we have determined to be the best representation of the character of God in and
through us as we walk through this world."

I like the way you put that. Sometimes I think that is what makes it hard when dealing with others, whether christian or non christian. There are certainly standards a person should walk in, but we have to let people grow up in Christ and be led by the Holy Spirit. Jesus said in John 16:13 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." Jesus said His word was truth. Giving something up or doing something for Christ can be walking in what is right, but turn into self-righteousness if we let it. That doesn't mean what we are doing is wrong, but the attitude my be unrighteous.

Well, the Spirit of Truth has come and we are learning to be led or guided into truth. We are at different stages in our walk with Jesus, but the promise is the same to all: He will guide us into all truth. To whom much is given, much is required. We are lights on a hill to an unbelieving world, and what we do may affect others for a lifetime.

When we live a righteous life there will be humility. There are also times when we need to stand up to deception and error and rebuke and admonish as the Lord leads.

What you shared William shows how important it is to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and to brothers and sisters who may just be led of the Lord to shed light on areas where change is needed and where God is trying to get our attention. And He will get it, one way or another.

In John 6:26-28 (NKJV) Jesus said to the people "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.
Do not labor the for food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.
Then they said to Him, What shall we do, that we may work the works of God? Jesus answered and said to them: 'This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.'"Jesus is telling them to have faith in him whom God had sent.
This is also what Jesus has told people all through history, have faith in Him.
Easy to say I have faith/believe in Jesus, many people in our country do, after all it is called a "christian" nation. Of course that is not true, but it makes some people feel good to think that. Actually it is a very wicked nation with christians in it.

Jesus also told us in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Now, I don't pretend to know greek, but looking up in Strong's concordance it appears that the greek word believe comes from the word "faith." We are told to have faith.

Romans 10:11 "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."

Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Because we have Jesus we are told in Romans 12:1-2"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."

Believing on Jesus is not something to be taken lightly, thinking you can do what you want and repent tomorrow.
I had a neighbor where I live who told me he wanted to enjoy life and when he got old he would receive Jesus. It didn't work out that way. After he moved out he went and lived with his sister. One winter he was shovelling snow and fell. He had a growth on his liver and when he fell it burst and he ended up dead. He never had the opportunity to later in life repent.
Believing on Jesus whom God had sent is more than lip service, but rather a daily walk and communion with Jesus. Learning what the will of God is for your life and doing it.

James 1:5-7 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without repraoch, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord."

We each have a personal responsibility to seek the Lord for ourselves, as we will never stand before God on the day of judgment and tell Him we didn't have the time or resources.